Medulla Poetarum Romanorum Or, the Most Beautiful and Instructive Passages of the Roman Poets. Being a Collection, (Disposed under proper Heads,) Of such Descriptions, Allusions, Comparisons, Characters, and Sentiments, as may best serve to shew the Religion, Learning, Politicks, Arts, Customs, Opinions, Manners, and Circumstances of the Antients. With Translations of the same in English Verse. By Mr. Henry Baker |
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 | Medulla Poetarum Romanorum |  |
Pallas.
Arachne.
The Goddess then a Matron's Form put on;
With silver Hairs her hoary Temples shone:
Prop'd by a Staff, she hobbles in her Walk,
And, tott'ring, thus begins her old Wife's Talk.
Pall.
Ar.
Thou doating Thing, whose idle babling Tongue,
But too well shews the Plague of living long;
Hence, and reprove with this your sage Advice,
Your giddy Daughter, or your awkard Neice:
Know, I despise your Counsel, and am still
A Woman, ever wedded to my Will.—
The Goddess then a Matron's Form put on;
With silver Hairs her hoary Temples shone:
Prop'd by a Staff, she hobbles in her Walk,
And, tott'ring, thus begins her old Wife's Talk.
Pall.
Young Maid, attend, nor stubbornly despise
The kind Instructions of the Old and Wise:
For Age, tho' scorn'd, a ripe Experience bears,
That golden Fruit, unknown to blooming Years.
Still may remotest Fame thy Labours crown,
And all Mankind thy Skill in Weaving own:
But to the Goddess yield, and humbly meek,
A Pardon for thy bold Presumption seek:
The Goddess will forgive.—
The kind Instructions of the Old and Wise:
For Age, tho' scorn'd, a ripe Experience bears,
That golden Fruit, unknown to blooming Years.
Still may remotest Fame thy Labours crown,
And all Mankind thy Skill in Weaving own:
But to the Goddess yield, and humbly meek,
A Pardon for thy bold Presumption seek:
The Goddess will forgive.—
—At this the Maid,
With Passion fir'd, her gliding Shuttle staid:
And scarce refraining Blows, with such a Look
As high Resentment shew'd,—
To Pallas in Disguise thus fiercely spoke.
With Passion fir'd, her gliding Shuttle staid:
And scarce refraining Blows, with such a Look
As high Resentment shew'd,—
To Pallas in Disguise thus fiercely spoke.
9
Thou doating Thing, whose idle babling Tongue,
But too well shews the Plague of living long;
Hence, and reprove with this your sage Advice,
Your giddy Daughter, or your awkard Neice:
Know, I despise your Counsel, and am still
A Woman, ever wedded to my Will.—
| Medulla Poetarum Romanorum | |